Buddhist Principles and the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching Social Studies

Abstract

The Ministry of Education has implemented a policy to organize the teaching and learning of Social Studies as a key mechanism for developing individuals to live in society with quality, to understand social change, and to coexist happily with others. The content of Social Studies supports the development of learners in terms of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and moral-ethical values, which form the foundation of being a good citizen in a democratic system. Therefore, the teaching of Social Studies should not be limited to the traditional transmission of knowledge.

In Thai society, which has a long-standing foundation in religion and culture, Buddhism has played a significant role in shaping the mental and intellectual orientation of the people. In the 21st-century approach to teaching Social Studies, the world is rapidly changing under the influence of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), which now plays a profound role in daily life — from information retrieval and big data analysis to the creation of original content. Education today cannot ignore these changes.

Social Studies, which emphasizes understanding history, geography, economics, politics and governance, as well as social morality and ethics, is now facing a major challenge: teaching learners to use technology with critical thinking and responsibility, avoiding the pitfalls of believing in false information or misusing technology. AI, however, is merely a tool; without an ethical framework, its use may lead to problems such as plagiarism, dissemination of distorted information, discrimination, or even incitement of hatred.

Therefore, it is necessary to have a “moral compass” to guide the use of AI for the benefit of learning and society as a whole. Buddhist principles can serve as an important conceptual framework for the appropriate use of AI in teaching Social Studies, as these principles are not only religious teachings but also universal values that emphasize righteousness, rationality, respect for others, and peaceful coexistence. Integrating AI into Social Studies education based on Buddhist principles can help learners gain not only academic knowledge but also a moral and ethical consciousness, along with a sense of social responsibility. This will contribute to the development of “digital citizens” who are both competent and virtuous.